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Sandberg likes what he sees in Phils' prospect J.P. Crawford

Shortstop J.P. Crawford, the Phillies first-round draft choice in 2013, has made a favorable impression on manager Ryne Sandberg. Crawford was in Philadelphia on Friday to accept the Paul Owens Award as the Phillies minor-league position player of the year. Righthander Luis Garcia also received the award as minor-league pitcher of the year.

Lakewood Blue Claws shortstop J.P. Crawford. (Elizabeth Robertson/Staff Photographer)
Lakewood Blue Claws shortstop J.P. Crawford. (Elizabeth Robertson/Staff Photographer)Read more

Shortstop J.P. Crawford, the Phillies first-round draft choice in 2013, has made a favorable impression on manager Ryne Sandberg.

Crawford was in Philadelphia on Friday to accept the Paul Owens Award as the Phillies minor-league position player of the year. Righthander Luis Garcia also received the award as minor-league pitcher of the year.

Sandberg saw Crawford play last year in the Florida Instructional League.

"He looked very athletic and looked like he had a lot of instincts," Sandberg said before Friday's game at Citizens Bank Park against the Miami Marlins. "He looked like he had real good hand-eye coordination, got his bat on the ball."

Crawford, who will turn 20 in January, began the season at Lakewood, where he hit .295 with three home runs, 19 RBIs, and an .804 OPS. He was promoted to high single-A Clearwater, batting .275 with eight home runs, 29 RBIs, and a .759 OPS.

At Clearwater, "the talent was a lot better, pitching was a lot more experienced," Crawford said. "It took me a few days to adjust, but, after that, I was fine."

He could start next season at double-A Reading, although Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan said no decision has been made.

The 6-foot-2 Crawford said his main goal is to get stronger. Crawford said he weights 190 pounds and hopes to be 200 by the spring. He said he weighed 170 when the Phillies drafted him 16th overall last year.

Crawford is the second-youngest player to earn the award. Jimmy Rollins won it at age 18 in 1997.

"The Paul Owens Award, best player in the system, that's a big honor," Crawford said.

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